It is amazing how a change in the eyes can soften the look.
I have changed......what worked nearly 20 years ago is not working today. My thoughts are in a different place and so am I. The journey continues, come along for the ride.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Watercolor crayon painting
I am trying to master color and shading. Using acrylic I have to find comfort with the paint and how much to use. Sooooo, I colored this with water color crayons. I have more control and I likey.
Have to work on my proportions.
I like drawing faces, but my passion is color, painting paper. Making beautiful and intricate backgrounds.
Painted background
I have been taking an online e course, Expressions, taught be Regina Lord of Creative Kismet, since April 1st. It was a 30 day class, but the site will be up until December to review video lessons.
This portrait was painted on a cardboard packaging insert. I gessoed both sides to make it strong, painted a background using oranges, greens and yellow, then I drew the portrait and painted with wash of white..
After I completed the portrait I looked at in disbelief.....this talent, this side of me has been buried for so long. Though it is a long story that I may someday tell I realize in burying pain, I buried who I really am and what I can do.
There.is so much about me I need to discover. Maybe through art I will find me again.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Face practiceimage
Practice removes fear. Two weeks into the expressions class, getting more comfortable. I still need a lighter touch with the pencil. I drew this portrait while sitting at the bus stop. I keep my journal with me at all times now.
Friday, April 12, 2013
American geisha
Week 15 of Lifebook, portrait in black, white and rose. I am just learning how to draw faces. I have been also learning to paint then. Need a lot more practice as I find my own unique style.
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Wednesday, April 03, 2013
Creating Fun
Participating in these courses is truly a Pilgrimmage. I am learning so much about the process and myself. My fears are slowly but surely eroding. I have to say that I am most happy about that aspect of the journey. The classes I have on my plate are 365 days of Journal Fodder (need to catch up), Lifebook 2013, Expressions E-Course, Getting Started with Julie Fei-Fan Balzer, Joy Journal (so far behind, but I am determined to get started) and 21 Secrets. Is that enough? I think so. I really need to sit down and prioritize, but that is another project.
What have I done? Well let's see,
Take care and blessings.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
A voice bursting forth
Monday, November 05, 2012
Allowing Myself To Play
Monday, October 15, 2012
Breast Pocket part 2
I have had scraps of fleece from the blankets and bears project at church for 2 years. We did not want to throw them out, so I took them. Last night it hit me that I could use them for breast pockets so here is my first attempt.
The top two are made from Japanese Kimono Fabric and the bottom one is made from vellum scrapbook page I received for participating in a breast cancer project.
Butter fly fabric, can't remember where I got it from but I just liked the fluidity of it. The green is from a Japanese Kimono it can really double as a breast pocket OR a smart phone holder, how is that for versatility.
More Kimono fabric, purchased it from Katie Kendrick. I love supporting other artists and after I got the fabric, knowing that I am not much of a fabric artist, I wondered what I would do with it all. Problem solved in a grand fashion.
Repost of the knitted pocket. I scanned it the first time (not a good idea).
Why am I doing this? My great-grandmother Fannie Jane Cole, grandmother, Zelma Lee Young and mother, Glennie Mae Barber all had breast cancer twice. They were courageous women and set an excellent example for me on how to deal with any type of adversity. So each wobbly stitch that I sew is for them. Plus, I have just had a darn good time.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Breast Pocket Project
Melanie Testa is the originator of this project, which is intended to give courage and support to women who have had mastectomies and decided not to have reconstructive surgery.
I did not have a mastectomy, I opted for double lumpectomy since I had early stage cancer in both breasts. I did however have to have 3 surgeries on my right breast inorder to get clear margins as a result I am a little lopsided but who cares, I am healthy and so far cancer free.
Anyhoo, I have pictures of a couple of the pockets I made.
One I have mailed (I forgot to photograph the other two in the envelope) and one I will be mailing within the next couple of days.
Melanie is a great inspiration to me, we are email and facebook friends and I will always cherish her friendship and encouragement.
Handsown breast pocket
Monday, October 01, 2012
A Preview of Things to Come - My Italian Adventure
Snippets of my trip in Pictures:
Rustic Tower in Orvieto |
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
UFO'S--Unfinished Objects
How did I meet Bee Bee? He was the last bear on the table 2 years ago and tears were streaming down his little face. You see, he had no clothes, someone had stripped him of his sweater and no one wanted him. My friend Debbie, who created this wonderful volunteer opportunity with her family and shared it with my church, gave him to me and asked me to make him a sweater. Did I mention that I did not think I could make a sweater? So my poor boy was a fixture on my bed for the past two year waiting for his sweater. And now he has one.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
One Artist Journal
The following quote from Orly:
"I am excited to let you know, that my book ONE ARTIST JOURNAL has been released. As you probably guess it's my 'online journal/blog turned book' and it's totally aligned with my imaginings of it, so excited about it (-: I'm happy about the way it came out. It contains my online journal spreads meshed with my writings in a format of a real visual journal, 196 pages, full color, full bleed, explosions of colors, textures, raw expressions, and visual celebrations. It is adorned by Teesha Moore's foreword and Seth Apter's sweet words on the back of the book."
As she stated above, Orly's book is a compilation of her wonderful blog by the same name. I have subscribed to it for over two years and have enjoyed each thought provoking moment. I eagerly await each entry. Some entries are awashed in color with a single thought provoking sentence. For example:
Now let's take care of some business....
1. The best way to obtain the book is by ordering through Orly's eStore https://www.createspace.com/3868179
As I stated at the beginning of this post, I am a part of a Blog Hop to support Orly Avineri's book project. Please be sure to visit the following blogs listed below:
Well, there you have it friends. In life we have to support our friends in anyway we can through encouragement, promotion and love. So as I make my journey, know that I support all of you.
Be well...Pilgrim.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
The Work of A Friend
The friend is Melanie Testa an accomplised artist and quilter. I was drawn to Melanie because like me she is a breast cancer survivor. We met last year via internet while we were both going through treatment.
I initially saw her on the program "Quilting Arts" which I watch religiously on Saturdays at 3:30 pm Pacific time. A few weeks later she was interviewed on the Voodoo Lounge Podcast by Rice Freeman-Zachery. When I realized it was the same person, I sent her a comment on her blog indicating that I had seen her on Quilting Arts and wishing her well in her recovery.
Melanie responded and we have communicated occasionally since that time.
The book in the picture above, Dreaming through journal page:TRANSFORMING THE sketchbook TO art", was written during Melanie's time of treatment. This fact touched me very deeply because I had made the decision that while I was undergoing treatment, I would devote the time to art as a way to keep my mind on positive and creative things. I made thank you cards for the many friends and family members who assisted me with meals, friendship and prayers. I took an online art journalling class with my friend Regina Lord and found that through creativity, my healing was really spiritual.
I preordered Melanie's book in December and received it about a week ago. I immediately read through the pages and fell in love. In love with the ease of reading; with the conversational tone and with the easy to follow tutorials. I fell in love with the warmth that exploded from each page and the strength of a person who truly exemplifies the phrase brought alive by Jenny Doh - "Art Saves".
On Thursday, April 26th, I took part in a Webinar presented by Melanie and she used her book as the guide for demonstration on colors, doing drawing exercises to loosen up your hands, the meaning and use of frisket, etc. It was really interesting.
Why am I writing about this? First because I felt led to do so, and second even though we have never met, I feel as if Melanie is a kindred spirit. If you are interested in really learning the mechanics of art journalling, read this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Until next time, find peace on the journey....pilgrim.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
ArtFest 2012.......A Retrospective The End
So, why is this so important? Because it is my third class trying to do this. I have been book binding chaallenged. What was the difference you ask? We spent six hours doing nothing but learning the technique and since I am a slow learner, that is what I needed. In my other classes, we painted and prepared our pages and then learned the binding technique in the afternoon. I am a very visual person and need to see you do it slllloooowwwlllly, so I can understand.
My last class on Saturday, March 31st, was "Get Your Sheet Together" and was taught by my good friend, Brenda Beene Shackleford. She assured me that I would be able to complete a book. I was very skeptical; but I had to support my friend who was teaching her first class.
BOOK NUMERO UNO:
The class worked together on book 1. Brenda took us step by step through the process and Lo and behold, I completed the book. Whoo Hoo. But wait, it gets better.
BOOK NUMERO DOS:
Oh Yeah, that's right, you got it (can you see me doing the happy dance). I completed a second book right after lunch. This time we worked on our own and Brenda came around answering questions and offering advice.
I was having so much fun and pretty proud of myself too.
The first picture is of BOOK NUMERO TRES
I felt Happy and validated. I had done something I told myself I could not do. Now, I want you to understand the key phrase here, "I told myself I could not do it." So for the past two years, I have been a bumbling idiot trying to learn similar techniques for book binding and failing miserably because I TOLD MYSELF I COULD NOT DO IT.
Now to the good part. I have been so busy since I returned from ArtFest that I have not had a chance to really work on anything since I got home. First it was Holy Week and I was very involved in the liturgy at my church, St. Thomas More Community Catholic (shameless plug) in Henderson Nevada. Then, I had to do my taxes (had to pay so no need in doing them any earlier), and I work from home so I was really busy. Oh yeah, the good part:
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
ArtFest.......A Retrospective Part 2
Today I attended the class "Postcards To The Edge" conceived and taught by Orly Avineri. This was the second year that I participated in a class taught by Orly and I was eager to participate.
The main premise of the class was to "Create....not produce". Orly has a way of getting the student to dig deep and bring out elements of the creative spirit long hidden.
The method used for creating was interesting. We used cereal boxes as our substrate and found objects as collage elements. We painted, made images of our hands and spray paint as we designed cards using prompts given by Orly.
The picture below started out as my least favorite post card; however after working with it and using the Prompt, "This little Piggy...."
As we built layers on our card we made a template from craft foam of our hand. With the instruction to get as much of your hand on the card as possible, I closed my fingers so that the hand would fit. When I looked around the room, I was the only one who closed their hand. The effect was that the molding paste rimmed the outer fame of my hand giving the image of a door instead of fingers.
I went up to Orly for another piece of foam so I could start over and she told me to try and use what I had, there are no accidents and it should be used.
Well, I painted and sprayed the image and it captured my heart because it looked like my hand was waiting to hold and help. But back to this little Piggy. When I heard the prompt, the following came to mind:
This little piggie (sic) went to surgery.
This little piggy had radiation...
This little piggy has spent time healing
This little piggy has hope.
I am going to frame this card, I love the colors and the meaning.....This trip to ArtFest is the first trip I have taken since completing treatment for Breast Cancer and so the entire retreat has special meaning for me.
I could go on and on, but I will stop and save the rest for part 3. Take care dear reader and remember to "Create....not produce."
Wednesday, April 04, 2012
ArtFest.....a Retrospective
This was my third year attending ArtFest and the last because, it has ended. No more ArtFests as we know it today. Just writing this seems to unreal and it makes me realize how much I missed out on talking myself out of attending when I first discovered it about 10 years ago (more on that in another post.
I think I am going to Chronicle a little something from each day.
Beginning with March 29, 2012:
I am calling this "Outside Bistro"
Lisa Bebi's Vintage Village Colorbook class. This class opened my eyes to impressionist painting. This was definitely out of my comfort zone, but was a boat load of fun. We painted copied images, not using precise painting but by glopping paint in the image to give and impressionist appearance. I am going to try this with some of my own photos.
This was a good day. I learned that I did not have to change my water every five minutes. I learned to let go and just enjoy the process. I learned that it sometimes takes a while for the painting to grow on you. Anita Webster my good friend was my table mate and we just enjoyed the day.
This is my Favorite. I it is not finished, but I love how the colors on the girls dresses pop out. |
I will be posting more pictures over the next few days; however before I end today the picture below
This is a copy of a trade that I made. I painted rocks using house paint and matte medium. I also wrote my word for the year, "Focus". they were so much fun to make and I am going to make more.
Until next time.....remain on the journey
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Let the Fun Times Begin!!!!!
Monday, March 12, 2012
ArtFest is almost here
I have to get this thought out. ArtFest is coming.....I have my plane ticket and at 7:00 am on March 28th I will be flying to Seattle. I am arriving early because I like to stay a few hours to explore prior to 2 pm when the shuttle leaves for Port Townsend and the Fort.
I am going to take the Monorail from the Airport to see where it goes. I think I am just going to ride to one end and then make the return trip so I can get back in time. Since I am a bus person, this should be fun.
My trades are made and boxed up, I have completed the majority of the gifts for dormmates and some special friends. My supply box will be closed tomorrow morning, no last minute stuff for me.
This is the last ArtFest and I plan to immerse myself in the entire process, I will be taking plenty of pictures so I can remember what wonderful times I have had. For year I put off coming to ArtFest for one reason or another. They were not really valid reasons, more fear than anything else. But....when I treated myself to ArtFest for my 60th birthday, my artistic and creative life blossomed and I have never looked back.
This is not to say I was not creative prior to attending ArtFest, because I was. I have made greetings cards since 1984 with some success. However my creativity has moved to a new level, I am working with other medium and enjoying the process. Making trades and sharing the work with others is really major for me and I have become more adventurous over time. I have participated in ATC swaps and taken on-line classes. I often worry if people will like my work and that can hinder me. But I realize that, it is what I think that means the most. I will know in my gut if something works or not.
Plus, I have a new motto if someone does not like what I give them, they can always through it out. This keeps me from needless worry. I sincerely appreciate the effort and artistry of my fellow creative spirits. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and I applaud everyone who tries.
Artfest is a little over 2 weeks away......I am so excited and humbled.